OralCancer

Oral cancer signs and symptoms

In its earliest stages, oral cancer may be undetectable to the naked eye, and it may not produce pain or other obvious symptoms.

That’s why it is so important to be screened for oral cancer at least once per year. However, if you notice a change in your mouth or throat such as a sore or a red or white spot that lasts longer than 2 weeks, you should contact your dental professional immediately. With early detection, you will have the best chance of a healthy outcome!

It’s time to see oral cancer in a whole new light.

Oral cancer has one of the highest death rates of all cancers, killing one person every hour of every day.1 This is primarily due to the fact that most oral cancers are identified at a late stage.2 At one time, smokers, heavy drinkers, and people over 40 presented the highest risks of oral cancer. Yet the face of oral cancer is changing. Today, the fastest growing segment of the oral and oropharyngeal cancer population are otherwise healthy nonsmokers in the 25-50 age range, due to spread of the HPV16 virus. In fact, HPV is now the leading cause of oropharyngeal cancer in the U.S.3 That’s why the Centers for Disease Control recommends that all patients over the age of 17 be screened annually for oral cancer.